Looking back on the 2005 Packers’ season, several factors led to the demise of the Green and Gold.

Four factors, actually.

There were four-yard punts (at best) from B.J. Sander and an equally awful special teams; four (or more) key offensive injuries; un-Favre-like play from No. 4; and, gulp, the mere four victories Green Bay salvaged in 16 tries.

But with the 4-12 season behind them and Brett Favre back at the helm, here are four reasons why the Packers will be back on top in 2006:

1. Defense now slightly less bad.

Thanks to a few offseason acquisitions, the Packers have upgraded their Defense to a D+fense, at least.

First, they gave aging cornerback Charles Woodson way more money than any other team would have even joked about giving him, but if he returns to form, he could be worth every penny.

They also inked former Seahawks safety Marquand Manuel, who can’t be worse than Mark Roman. The Pack then drafted linebackers A.J. Hawk and Abdul Hodge and added Ben Taylor via free agency, turning one of its worst positions last year into potentially its best.

2. Mike McCarthy and Co.

If you think hiring a head coach who spent the last five seasons as an offensive coordinator for two of the worst offenses in the league (Saints 2000-04, 49ers 2005) was a bad idea, well, you’re probably right.

Nevertheless, the Mike Sherman Era lasted about five seasons too long, and the new Mike in town brings a more aggressive attitude to the team. Aside from that, McCarthy assembled a respectable group of assistants to guide him through his first (and last?) season as head coach.

3. A healthy backfield.

Ahman Green, Najeh Davenport and Samkon Gado all went down with injuries last year, and by Week 17 there weren’t enough practice squads in the NFL to fill the RB slots on the Packers’ depth chart. Now, with wounds healed and a newly implemented zone-blocking scheme, the running game should improve significantly.

4. The NFC North.

If all else fails, the Packers are fortunate enough to play in arguably the worst division in football. So even if they’re not getting better, neither are the Bears, Vikings or Lions.

They may not be hoisting the Lombardi trophy come February, but the Packers will at least win a few more games in 2006 — that’s Four sure.

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